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S13:E11 - “Thunderbolt Permit” (2018)
Tom & Rich hit the USS Thunderbolt wreck in the Middle Keys hoping to find schools of willing Permit
Captains Tom and Rich Tudor head to Middle Keys looking for permit as they hit the USS Thunderbolt wreck. Sunk in 1986, the USS Thunderbolt was purposely sunk to create artificial reefs and to create a popular diving destination. Located five miles offshore from Hawks Cay Resort, this attraction is easily accessible to get to. Captains Rich and Tom head out to this wreck in search of some permit, since it is spawning season in the month of April. Usually, permit are easy to find in the flats, but once April is near, permits begin to spawn as much as possible, and do so close to artificial reefs, like the Thunderbolt. Not only are permit in range, but also Goliath groupers, snappers, and jacks are swimming by these wrecks around the same season.
The Captains quickly are able to spot a school of permit about 80 feet down, and start reeling them in. The permit became more difficult to reel in, as permit swim in a downwards motion on the line rather than swimming outwards in the flats. These permits were able to bring in some good fights, but were eventually caught and later released. The perfect weather and clear waters allowed for Captains Tom and Rich to experience a great day for permit fishing.
As always, we had Jason Stemple with us to document this trip in ultra high quality still photos. Here are some of my favorites. Enjoy!
Tom and Rich prepare to bring this guy aboard.
What a beauty.
Catch-and-release. See you next time.
See you on the water,
Capt. Rich Tudor & Capt. Tom Rowland
Join Saltwater Experience with Captains Tom Rowland and Rich Tudor as they team up with expert spearfishing guide Tony Young in the Florida Keys. From nonstop Yellowtail Snapper action to adrenaline-pumping Wahoo spearfishing and Lionfish hunting, this episode showcases the ultimate Florida Keys saltwater adventure—both above and below the surface.